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Publication Number
US-11013434-B2
Publication Date
2021-05-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A physiologic sensor for measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is provided. The sensor includes a generally C-shaped in cross-section sensor cover, the sensor cover defining an opening on an underside thereof; a membrane body housed within the opening, the membrane comprising an amorphous fluoroplastic, the membrane including a first end and a second end and defines a chamber therewithin; a sensor body for coupling the membrane to the sensor cover; two or more electrodes positioned within the membrane chamber; and a substantially electrolyte-free liquid contained within the membrane chamber and in contact with the two or more electrodes.
Core Innovation
A sensor for measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) includes a generally C-shaped in cross-section sensor cover having a lip extending downwardly from a distal end. The sensor cover defines an opening bounded on a top by an underside of the sensor cover and bounded on a distal end by the lip, and the lip shields the membrane body from end-tidal carbon dioxide for physiologic tissue contact.
The sensor includes a cylindrical membrane body housed within the opening. The cylindrical membrane body comprises a first amorphous fluoroplastic and forms an enclosed chamber including a first end and a second closed end situated against the lip, and the second closed end is sealed with a second amorphous fluoroplastic having a carbon dioxide transmission rate lower than the carbon dioxide transmission rate of the cylindrical membrane body.
Two or more electrodes extend from the first end and are positioned within the membrane chamber. A substantially electrolyte-free liquid contained within the membrane chamber is in contact with the electrodes, and the sensor is directed to reduced interference from low molecular weight carboxylic acids and improved performance versus silicone membranes.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim includes four inventive features. Dependent claims further refine these features for mucosal/oral mucosal tissue use, specify impedance measurement using alternating electrical potential, add selectivity against low molecular weight carboxylic acids, and include quantitative constraints related to membrane permeability and tissue placement pressure/air gaps.
Generally C-shaped sensor cover with downward lip
A generally C-shaped in cross-section sensor cover including a lip extending downwardly from a distal end, wherein the sensor cover defines an opening bounded on a top by an underside of the sensor cover and bounded on a distal end by the lip.
Cylindrical amorphous-fluoroplastic membrane with sealed lower-CO2-rate end
A cylindrical membrane body housed within the opening, comprising a first amorphous fluoroplastic and forming an enclosed chamber including a first end and a second closed end situated against the lip, wherein the second closed end is sealed with a second amorphous fluoroplastic having a carbon dioxide transmission rate lower than the carbon dioxide transmission rate of the cylindrical membrane body.
Electrodes in a substantially electrolyte-free liquid chamber
Two or more electrodes extending from the first end and positioned within the membrane chamber, together with a substantially electrolyte-free liquid contained within the membrane chamber and in contact with the two or more electrodes.
Alternating electrical potential for impedance
Responsive to an alternating electrical potential to measure impedance of a substantially electrolyte-free liquid.
Lip shielding from end-tidal carbon dioxide
Configured so that a generally C-shaped cross-section sensor cover lip shields the membrane body from end-tidal carbon dioxide.
Acid-impermeable amorphous fluoroplastic
Including a first amorphous fluoroplastic that is substantially impermeable to low molecular weight carboxylic acids.
Defined carbon dioxide permeability value
The membrane body has a carbon dioxide permeability of 2800 Barrer units.
Buccal placement device without air gaps and with limited pressure
A sensor placement device positions the sensor against the buccal surface with no air gaps and applies no more than 25 mmHg of pressure.
Overall, the claim set centers on a pCO2 sensor combining a generally C-shaped cover with a downward lip, a cylindrical amorphous-fluoroplastic membrane forming a substantially electrolyte-free enclosed chamber, and electrodes in that chamber. Additional dependent claim features further specify lower CO2 transmission at the sealed end, low-molecular-weight carboxylic acid impermeability, alternating-potential impedance measurement, and buccal placement constraints.
Stated Advantages
Reduced interference from acetic-acid (low molecular weight carboxylic acids) and improved performance compared with silicone membranes.
Documented Applications
Physiologic CO2 sensing for tissue, including mucosal/oral mucosa, with buccal placement to position the sensor against tissue.
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